Map of the tombs in the Basilica of Saint Denis

About forty two kings, thirty two queens, sixty three princes and princesses and ten loyal servants of the kingdom were buried in the Basilica of Saint Denis until the nineteenth century. This kings necropolis is one of the most important funerary monuments in the world. This was not always the case. Indeed, the Abbey in Saint-Denis was confronted with competition, especially from Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and only got recognition thanks to the obstinacy of Abbey Suger and the support of the Capetian dynasties.